The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, MARCH 10th, 1930.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 March 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, MARCH 10th, 1930.

POLITICAL POSSIBILITIES. Thebe are many references of late to political possibilities in the Dominion. New Zealand has three definite parties, with a budding fourth in the Country party, to rather complicate the political issue. It is a. common knowledge that of the three major parties, not one has an absolute majority, and that any party in power at this juncture, must be there on sufferance. It is not any detraction therefore to say that the United Party is in office only bv the grace of one or other of the remaining parties, for each in turn has saved the Government from defeat in the House on test divisions. The United Ministry was composed of some men new to office, hut it must be admitted that the Ministry individually and collectively has done well, .and gone about its business and the business of the country in a clear and definite way, quite in keeping with the traditions of the past. Nor lias anything dire come to pass because of the Uniteds being in power. On the contrary the position of New Zealand in world affairs has been well maintained in every respect, and conditions tlmre with elsewhere will stand close comparison without damage to the reputation of the Dominion. A great deal has been said about the indisposition of Sir Joseph Ward, but despite that unfortunate and regrettable circumstance, Sir Joseph Ward has given wonderful attention to his duties, and the financial condition of the country so far as relates to its public accounts, is that despite his disability lie has been able to keep a linger close on the country’s financial pulse. The credit of the Dominion stands well, and there is

not that serious concern here which is the unhappy lot of other countries. Sir Joseph has to Ins credit the reputation of maintaining a strong national nnance, and that condition to-day redounds to the credit of himself and Ministry. There are of course points in the general administration which are oeing freely criticised. Unemployment, is uppermost in the consideration of the country, because it is so general and serious in the centres. The Government claims to have done more than any previous administration to viding relief works, and is doing what it can with regard to land settlement — though not moving as quickly as some critics would wish. Reports have been brought down for a general policy to cope with the situation, and the recommendations are being discussed with varying approval, but on the whole it is likely parts of the, proposals, a,t least, will he included in the general policy of the country. The world condition of unemployment, involving even some of the richest countries, suggests that the evil .is difficult indeed to cope with and that there .s not any royal road to a complete panacea. The Government, we may be sure, is giving sympathetic consideration to the issue and doing all it can, for winter is approaching when seasonal occupations will be restricted, and there will be an automatic increase in unemployment. Another matter for criticism is the land settlement policy which is not being advanced as rapidly as some critics wish. The Government, however, is making steady headway. and the year’s figures will show llie advance. The railway policy is being criticised also, but the decision to finish arterial lines was the platform of the leader a,t the general elections, and naturally he is expected to give effect to' the policy when the opportunity served. The Samoan policy will be another subject for criticism. A Minister has been sent to the scene of action to probe events, and on his report will depend further decisive action. The Government has moved along right lines in the effort to maintain law and order, and has held the !oor open to overtures for a mutual arrangement which would be satisfactory to the native population. Altogether the Government is doing well and wisely in its general administration and has nothing to fear from an appeal to the people.